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What's in a pencil?

Deborah Mashiter • 15 March 2024

What's in a pencil?


Did you know that pencil leads have never contained lead?

While the invention of the pencil is credited to an Italian couple named Simonio and Lyndiana Bernacotti back in 1560, closer to home, in the first part of the 16th century, solid graphite was discovered in Borrowdale in the English Lake District, where sheep farmers began using it to mark their sheep. People at the time thought that this graphite was lead, hence the reference to pencil lead, and, although, it was later realised that it wasn't lead at all, we have continued to refer to what is in our pencils as lead ever since.

The discovery of this high quality graphite in the Lake District led to the development of a major pencil manufacturing industry around Keswick on the back of the quality graphite available locally and pencils are still produced in Keswisk to this day. If you find yourself in the area you can visit the Derwent Pencil Museum.

Armed with that knowledge you just need to choose your pencil.

Staedtler 'tradition' pencils

Well, you can have a conventional pencil obviously such as one of Staedtler's 'tradition' pencils, which are high-quality pencils with lead degrees ranging from 6B through HB to 4H.  


The break resistant super bonded lead has a diameter of 2mm and the wood used in the manufacture of the pencils is sourced from certified, sustainably managed forests.
Papermate nonstop pencils

If you prefer a mechanical pencil there are lots to choose from.  Perhaps the most popular disposable pencil is Papermate's non-stop pencil.
Faber Castell Grip Plus mechanical pencil

In our opinion, Faber Castell's Grip Plus mechanical pencil is the most comfortable pencil we stock, with its triangular grip area. It has an extra-thick twist-out eraser and 0.7mm lead.


As well as replacement leads, replacement erasers are available in packs of 3.
Staedtler mars micro mechanical pencils

Whether you're looking for a popular 0.5mm or 0.7mm lead size or something a little less common such as a 0.3mm or 0.9mm lead size, the Staedtler mars micro offers you the range.  Replacement leads are available, as are replacement erasers.
Lamy logo brushed steel mechanical pencil

Finding what we might refer to as a 'gift-boxed' mechanical pencil is getting more difficult, with the ranges reducing all the time.

However, Lamy can be relied upon to come up with the goods, and their 'logo' pencil with its brushed steel finish is an affordable, professional looking pencil for all occasions. This pencil uses a 0.7mm lead.  

Another option is the Lamy ballpen/pencil mutifunction pen that combines a ballpen with a 0.5mm mechanical pencil.  Very impressive.

These are just a small selection of what is available.  You can check our full range here.

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